Review
"Watch the Throne" by JAY-Z and Kanye West is pure collaborative brilliance, a marvel of merging two iconic styles into one unforgettable experience. Dropping in 2011, it was a landmark moment for both artists, with JAY-Z’s cool and calculated flow intertwining effortlessly with Kanye's raw, emotional charge. Their chemistry throughout is simply electric, pulling us into realms both deeply personal and starkly political.
Production on this album, helmed predominantly by West, is a lush and grand orchestration, weaving together diverse influences. The placement of soul samples, especially Nina Simone’s evocative voice on “New Day,” infuses a powerful layer of depth that resonates with nostalgia. Guest spots from legends like Frank Ocean, The-Dream, Beyoncé, and Mr Hudson accentuate the rich fabric of the album, making every moment impactful.
Lyrically, "Watch the Throne" is a powerhouse, with tracks like "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Murder to Excellence" presenting potent reflections on wealth, status, and societal issues. Their words paint vivid narratives, transforming personal stories into expansive social commentary. And who could forget "N****s in Paris" — a firebrand track that finds the sweet spot between sharp-edged aggression and underlying wit.
Taking the charts by storm, "Watch the Throne" debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, boasting over 436,000 copies sold in its first week alone. With quintuple platinum status under its belt, this album not only cemented JAY-Z and Kanye West as giants in the rap universe but also blazed a trail for future artists to find their voice. - Destiny
